Lau"re*ate (?), v. i. [imp. &
p. p. Laureated (?); p. pr. & vb.
n. Laureating (?).] To honor with a wreath of
laurel, as formerly was done in bestowing a degree at the English
universities.
Lau"re*ate (?), a. [L.
laureatus, fr. laurea laurel tree, fr. laureus
of laurel, fr. laurus laurel: cf. F. lauréat.
Cf. Laurel.] Crowned, or decked, with laurel.
Chaucer.
To strew the laureate hearse where Lycid
lies.
Milton.
Soft on her lap her laureate son
reclines.
Pope.
Poet laureate. (b) One who
received an honorable degree in grammar, including poetry and
rhetoric, at the English universities; -- so called as being
presented with a wreath of laurel. [Obs.] (b)
Formerly, an officer of the king's household, whose business was
to compose an ode annually for the king's birthday, and other
suitable occasions; now, a poet officially distinguished by such
honorary title, the office being a sinecure. It is said this title
was first given in the time of Edward IV. [Eng.]
Lau"re*ate, n. One crowned with
laurel; a poet laureate. "A learned laureate."
Cleveland.